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The Pulse (03-09-12)

March 9, 2012 ● Volume 01, Issue 10

Credit Union News

MnCUN inks partnership deal to offer policy assistance to member CUs

As part of its continual effort to alleviate the growing compliance burden on credit unions, the Network announced this week a new online policy library available to member credit unions. In partnership with PolicyAid, this resource provides access to sample policies that help ensure compliance with current rules and regulations.

PolicyAid subscribers receive access to more than 65 sample policies available for download in Microsoft Word format, allowing for easy personalization. Policy templates include topics such as social media, liquidity and Truth In Lending. Available policies are updated on a quarterly basis to reflect any new and amended regulations.

Offered at an incredibly reasonable price, PolicyAid serves as a trusted compliance partner for Minnesota credit unions. Developed by the Iowa Credit Union League's PolicyWorks, PolicyAid uses trained professionals that study the regulations and review the footnotes and fine print. For more information and to subscribe to this resource, visit the PolicyAid page of the Network website.

Annual Meeting early bird pricing ends March 15

Credit union professionals and volunteers have until Thursday, March 15, to take advantage of the early bird pricing for MnCUN's Annual Meeting & Convention. Register today to save $30 per attendee!

With featured speakers Gov. Tim Pawlenty and CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney, this year's Annual Meeting is not to be missed. In addition, the conference will feature credit union experts Jim Aho, Mark Arnold and Rex Johnson speaking on lending strategies, business and strategic planning, and branding. The Filene Research Institute will also present the findings of its research on how Minnesota credit unions can attract Gen Y members.

The Annual Meeting will feature the state's largest credit union tradeshow, the MnCUN Business Meeting, MnCU4Kids Minnesota "Hold 'Em" Tournament, FIC silent auction and Awards Banquet. For more information and to register, visit the Annual Meeting page of the Network website.

Love IT and want to travel? Participate in a CU international exchange

Credit union IT professionals who would like to participate in a cross-cultural exchange are invited to join MnCUN in a visit to Paraguay. Set for May 20-27 (dates may vary slightly), this trip will allow for the exchange of knowledge, information and experiences between Minnesota representatives and the Paraguayan trade association Central de Cooperativas del Area Nacional Ltda. (CENCOPAN).

The credit union IT specialist selected to participate in this visit would accompany a delegation of representatives from Minnesota and the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). The IT specialist will also speak during CENCOPAN's International Seminar (translation assistance provided). Possible topics of discussion include networks, core systems, IT security, e-signatures and mobile banking. The credit union IT specialist should have broad knowledge of technology topics affecting U.S. credit unions. Participants with Spanish-speaking skills are highly desired but not essential, as interpretation support will be available to facilitate communication and the transfer of knowledge.

This trip is part of an ongoing international partnership developed through WOCCU's International Partnership Program. Airfare, lodging and meal expenses for the IT specialist will be covered by WOCCU and CENCOPAN. Those interested in participating in this international credit union opportunity should contact MnCUN Vice President – Association Services Kristina Wright by email or at (651) 288-5507. Applicants should send a résumé and cover letter that includes a summary of qualifications. Individuals interested in taking part in the exchange must apply by Tuesday, March 20.

For additional information on the history of the partnership, please visit the CENCOPAN Partnership page of the Network website.

MnCUN welcomes 21 participants to its Vendor Involvement Program

The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) has welcomed 21 participants into its 2012 Vendor Involvement Program (V.I.P.). V.I.P. is a program created in 2005 to provide committed service organizations with an opportunity to work with MnCUN and increase brand visibility among Minnesota credit unions.

Designed to optimize business relationships with Minnesota credit unions, this advertising program offers annual conference packages that allow companies unique exposure to a target audience, along with an online company listing and an advertisement on MnCUN's website. Participants also receive opportunities to participate in new MnCUN initiatives.

Of the 21 total organizations, three are new and 18 have renewed their participation for 2012. New vendors include:

Range Printing

sbaStrategies

Skilcraft Plus

Repeat participants include:

CUNA Mutual Group

The Advantage Network

AmeriCUMortgage

CASE

CFC Technology Corporation

CO-OP Financial Services

CUDL AutoSMART

Emergent Networks

First Class Mortgage

FIS

ICUL Card Services

Locknet IT Solutions

Metro License Services

MemberTree Consultancy

MnCUSC Shared Branching

MnIPC

Repossessors Inc.

Wipfli

Participants in MnCUN's Vendor Involvement Program agree to offer professional service, quality product lines and competitive pricing. These companies must appreciate the qualities that make credit unions unique and understand the importance of providing the best service possible to Minnesota's credit union members. Participation in the Vendor Involvement Program does not constitute an endorsement by the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

Credit unions are encouraged to explore the products and services offered by participants of V.I.P. For more information about the participants of this program, visit the Vendor Involvement Program page of the Network website.

Credit union recognition…

Last week CUNA recognized three Minnesota compliance professionals who earned their Credit Union Compliance Expert certification or recertification in 2011. This certificate was created by CUNA to help credit union compliance professionals stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and ensure credit unions are operating within the confines of current law. Due to the ever-changing compliance environment, the CUCE certification must be renewed every three years.